Game Review

A similiar game to the 1980 Qualifying Final. The consensus was that Carlton was still considered as soft against genuine contenders like Richmond (beating Collingwood had become a pastime for all teams in Grand Finals). And the following weeks standard of play did not convince anyone that Carlton had the mental fortitude to beat the Tiges despite the Blues not being able to field their best team due to injuries and suspension.

Only Wayne Johnston was happy with this result, as if Carlton could defeat Hawthorn in Preliminary Final he would be right to play in the Grand Final.